The Nonsuch 324 is a generic development on the Nonsuch theme and has significant improvements on her predecessors. These have been achieved by the use of a carbon-fiber mast, a high-performance hull lay-up and a state-of-the-art keel and rudder. The new 324 maintains the same fast, stiff and seaworthy hull shape appreciated by Nonsuch sailors. The carbon-fiber mast is less than half the weight of its aluminum equivalent. This weight reduction aloft and at the bow makes the boat stiffer and more buoyant forward while reducing the pitching movement, thus enhancing performance in a chop. The FRP lay-up has been computer designed. Using bidirectional, stitched, nonwoven rovings, strength has been increased and weight has been reduced. The new keel with a flat bulb gives more lift and a lower center of gravity. An electric winch on the coach roof operates the halyard or the single reefing line at the touch of a button. The interior allows for two couples to cruise in comfort. With double berthed cabins fore and aft, the spacious saloon is left free for dining and relaxation. The same technology used to design an airplane wing is used to support the Nonsuch mast high in the air. Both the wishbone boom and the mast are made of carbon fiber, and the mast is one section, woven seamlessly from continuous long fibers on a mandrel, making it extremely strong and slightly flexible. Designed to flex, the need to stay the mast under tremendous compressive loads is eliminated. This mast spills wind from sudden gusts, allowing Nonsuch to sail on her lines and maintain a responsive helm. No burying the rail. No weather helm. No stays, turnbuckles, or shrouds. By eliminating shrouds and stays, a wishbone boom can be used. This special boom holds the sail when furled or reefed in the jack lines which 'cardle' the sail, eliminates the need for a traveler or vang, and flattens the sail perfectly by pushing both down and aft, creating a perfect upwind sail shape. The wishbone does not impede the shape of the sail like a regular boom, so the Nonsuch excels to windward. When reaching, the sail is let way out. The sail is trimmed to the end of the wishbone, not to the side of the boat (a genoa is trimmed to the side of the boat). This special boom allows a perfect sail shape along the full length of the sail, not just the forward portion on a genoa, such that the boat is driven forward and not over on its side. No more rail in the water. Another wishbone advantage is the sail shape attained when running down wind. Trimmed 90 degrees or more (remember, no shrouds), a maximum sail area allows the boat simply to be pointed at the next mark. No gibing down wind. No spinnakers. Just good boat speed and a steady helm. A Nonsuch is fast, too. World records for sailing speed have been accomplished by one man holding a wishbone boom, one sail, and an unstayed mast. Sound familiar? Same rig on a much smaller 'boat'. However, the Nonsuch is no surfboard. Nonsuch's long waterline, fin keel, and balanced rudder combine with her very efficient rig to provide an exceptionally fast, safe, and weatherly cruising sailboat. There is really nothing new here. The unstayed mast has driven most of the small work boats of the world for centuries. The wishbone boom is probably even older. The catboat has been, since 1840, the American work boat and family sailboat. New materials - such as carbon fiber, stable sail fabric, and the incredible strength of reinforced plastics - have allowed the best ideas of the past to gel into a better idea for the future. The accommodations made possible by the elimination of chainplates and midship structural bulkheads provide a typical catboat interior. Uniquely spacious and uncluttered, the vast amount of extra space is lent to special storage, deep drawers, wide hanging lockers, galley cabinets, and counter space. A private forward cabin with a chest of drawers, head with a stall shower, and gourmet galley are the hallmark of Nonsuch. All Nonsuch interiors are joined in matched grain teak finished with many coats of hand rubbed satin varnish. Carrying the Nonsuch beam all the way aft provides a flat run for speed. It also provides great inherent stability. The extra plus, however, is the size of the cockpit. Deep, dry, safe, and uncluttered, the Nonsuch cockpit is really another room. Constantly hosting cocktail parties for a dozen or more may be the only drawback. Sailing a Nonsuch - After leaving the dock or mooring, the dock lines, fenders and sail cover are stowed and the halyard is attached to the sail. - Release the choker line. (This line serves the same function as a typical outhaul & vang). Release the sheet and head the boat directly to windward. - Raise the sail by pushing the electric winch button (standard on 324 and 354), then tighten the choker line if sailing to windward, trim the sheet and turn off the engine. - To change from one point of sail to another, one simply turns the wheel. - Reefing is a matter of easing off the choker line and the sheet so the sail is luffing away from the boat - preferably a beam reach; the entire sail plan is now visible and the reefing process can be observed. Slowly release the halyard while pulling down on the single reef line. When this line is tight, snug up the halyard (single line reefing is now standard). The sail is now reefed and the unused portion of the sail lies in the jack lines hanging from the wishbone. Reset the choker line to proper tension for the desired point of sail and trim the sheet. The task is complete - all from the cockpit and in short order. To shake out the reef, ease the choker, release the sheet and single reef line and hoist the halyard. The reef is out. When sailing off the wind in a Nonsuch, the sail is treated as a jib on a sloop. It should be eased as much as possible without luffing. Subtle changes in sail shape are important to boat speed and fun to experiment with. It is a learning process and enjoyment is found in making the boat perform. When finished sailing, head to windward, release the choker line and halyard. The sail will drop into the jack lines and the boat can be headed home.